I have premenopausal symptons am wondering how bad depression can get?

Question

I have the night sweats...occasional hot flashes and screwy periods. I wouldn't say I was "depressed" just not feeling right and definitely not happy, anyone know what I can do besides go on anti-depressants?

Answer 1

First, take advice from YOUR doctor, or YOUR nurse practitioner, or your homeopathic therapist...anyone but bulletin boards on the internet.

Having said that, an increase in the consumption of soy products (including tofu, tvp, soymilk--I like "Silk" the best) has been shown to have positive effects on the symptoms of menopause.

Some women buy pills that have soy extracts in them (over the counter, like garlic pills) but doing something as simple as adding soybeans to soup could be a significant enough change.

The problem is, there are no "dosages" available as yet. It has even been suggested that too much soy might be harmful.

As for your question about depression, it can get bad enough to kill you (or for you to kill yourself) so you need to be in regular touch with someone (medical/health care/clergy) who can refer you for psychological and psychiatric intervention if necessary.

That would be therapy and medications.

Many women report wonderful results from hormone replacement therapy, i.e. Estrogen. That's what has been discovered to be in Soy, so if you go on Estrogen therapy through your doctor, make sure that you advise her of your average daily intake of soy edibles and supplements.

If you have no insurance, and this is serious enough to write here for advice, then you should seek out local charitable organizations that will assist you (The Roman Catholics have great programs for a lot of social needs, as do other organizations).

Again, my answers are not medical advice...they are suggestions of things that you should talk over with your primary care giver.

G. E. T., Registered Nurse (retired)

Answer 2

My number 1!!! recommendation: Take care of yourself.
Get plenty of the following daily:
Exercise, Fresh Air, a Healthy Diet and Sunshine

There are many natural herbal remedies for menopause symptoms - you'll find a whole slew of them over the counter at the pharmacy and grocery store. I would be inclined to try one of those first if it was me. Estroven is one brand.

Whether you need anti-depressants or not - only you and your doctor can correctly evaluate your need for medication.

More of the following information is readily available
at www.depression-guide.com - see the link below.

Research has shown that folks who are blue tend to have low levels of folic acid, a vitamin found most abundantly in leafy green vegetables. Maurizio Fava, M.D., a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, finds that those who are down and out and don't get enough of the nutrient are less likely to benefit from Prozac.

Depression in later adulthood
Once, depression at menopause was considered a unique illness known as "involutional melancholia." Research has shown, however, that depressive illnesses are no different, and no more likely to occur, at menopause than at other ages. In fact, the women most vulnerable to change-of-life depression are those with a history of past depressive episodes. An old theory, the "empty nest syndrome", stated that when children leave home, women may experience a profound loss of purpose and identity that leads to depression. However, studies show no increase in depressive illness among women at this stage of life.

Answer 3

it to will pass, the tears, the moods, no fun , but it will pass, please just try to stay busy and around loads of ppl, it does help, dont let yourself get depressed cause it will happen, stay strong and keep the faith

Answer 4

Soy.